Composite printer and scan image copying method

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention, when using image scanner(s) to capture image(s) of original(s) and using printer(s) to print same, to enable four-sided borderless copying such that margin(s) do not appear on printout(s). An image scanner might capture an image corresponding to scan region  263  which might be somewhat larger than original  262 . Image processing circuitry might then enlarge an image corresponding to scan region  266  (arrow  279 ), converting it into enlarged image  271 . Within enlarged image  271 , the image of original  262  might have been enlarged so as to become image  273 , which might be somewhat larger than printing paper  274 . This enlarged original image  273  which would be present within enlarged image  271  might then be printed by a printer.

FIELD OF ART

The present invention pertains to a hybrid printer and a scan imagecopying method.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, depending upon the printer in question, it has in somecases become possible to carry out what is called four-sided borderlessprinting—in which printing is carried out over the entirety of theprinted surface of the printing paper—of images based on data subject toprinting. Furthermore, standalone printers capable of causing prescribeddata to be printed on printing paper in standalone fashion without theneed to connect to host apparatuses—representative among which arepersonal computers and the like—have come into widespread use. Alsoappearing on the scene are hybrid printers in which scanner capabilitieshave been further added to such standalone printers such that imagescaptured by means of scanner mechanisms can be printed onto printingpaper in direct fashion by means of printer mechanisms withoutintervention by host apparatuses.

With a hybrid printer, because connection to a host apparatus is notrequired, a user might typically place an original on an original stageand operate a control panel provided on a main body so as to give printinstructions to the standalone printer, and this might then cause sameto be scanned by the scanner mechanism, following which printing thereofby the printer mechanism might be automatically carried out, as a resultof which print results could be obtained.

It has been the case with such hybrid printers, when printing is carriedout as a result of instruction to cause printer mechanism to directlyperform four-sided borderless printing of image captured from originalby scanner mechanism onto printing paper identical in size to original,that, because scan region capable of being captured by scan mechanism issmaller than entire original surface region by amount corresponding toprescribed margins (hereinafter “scanner margins”), such scanner marginsappear in unabated fashion on printing paper, making it impossible toobtain satisfactory print results. Improvement of mechanical precisionin connection with both scanning and printing in order to adjust suchdiscrepancy between scan regions of scanner mechanism and print regionof printer mechanism has been a problem from the standpoint of productcost. Particularly with the aforementioned standalone-printer sort ofhybrid printer, because individual users represent the primary target ofsales activities, there is a strong desire to keep product costs to aminimum.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to make it possiblein the context of hybrid printer to carry out four-sided borderlessprinting without occurrence of margin region even when image captured byscanner mechanism is printed by printer mechanism.

A hybrid printer in accordance with one aspect of the present inventioncomprises an original stage; a scanner scanning scan region of theoriginal stage and outputting image data corresponding to the scanregion; a controller controlling the scan region; an image processorprocessing the image data output from the scanner; and a printer usingthe image data output by the processor to carry out printing at a printmedium. The controller may be capable of controlling the scan region soas to cause the scan region to match or be larger than an originalregion detected or assumed to exist at the original stage in order topermit the scan region to encompass the original region. The processormay be capable of enlarging, so as to be larger than the size of theprint medium, the image data corresponding to the original regionencompassed by the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner. The print engine may be capable of carrying out printing at theprint medium by using the image data corresponding to the originalregion enlarged by the processor so as to be larger than the size of theprint medium to.

In a preferred embodiment, processing may be carried out in which theoriginal region of the original stage is assumed to exist based on auser-specified original size. Furthermore, the controller may be capableof controlling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to be aregion enlarged outward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left,and right margin around the assumed original region.

In another preferred embodiment, the scanner may be capable of carryingout prescanning in which, prior to scanning of the scan region, theoriginal stage is scanned and the original stage image data is output.Furthermore, an actual original region on the original stage may bedetected based on original stage image data obtained as a result of suchprescanning. Furthermore, the controller may be capable of controllingthe scan region so as to cause the scan region to match the detectedoriginal region or to be a region enlarged outward to accommodate aprescribed top, bottom, left, and right margin around the detectedoriginal region.

Still another embodiment may further comprise a print start controllercontrolling print start location of the print engines in correspondenceto magnification at which the image data corresponding to the originalregion is enlarged by the processor.

A hybrid printer in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention comprises an original stage; a scanner scanning a scan regionof the original stage and outputting image data corresponding to thescan region; a controller controlling the scan region; image processorprocessing the image data output from the scanner; and a printer usingthe image data output by the processor to carry out printing at a printmedium. The controller may be capable of controlling the scan region soas to cause the scan region to be smaller than an original regiondetected or assumed to exist at the original stage in order to permitthe original region to encompass the scan region. The processor may becapable of enlarging, so as to be larger than the size of the printmedium, the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner. The print engine may be capable of using the image datacorresponding to the scan region enlarged by the processor so as to belarger than the size of the print medium to carry out printing at theprint medium.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls the scan region so asto cause the scan region to be a region reduced inward from the originalregion by prescribed scanner margins. Furthermore, the processorenlarges the image data corresponding to the scan region so as to causethe image data corresponding to the scan region to be the sizeobtainable by enlarging outward to accommodate the prescribed printermargin around the size of the print medium. Here, the scanner margin maybe set so as to be smaller than the printer margin.

Still another embodiment may further comprise a print start controllercontrolling a print start location of the print engine in correspondenceto a magnification at which the image data corresponding to the originalregion is enlarged by the processor.

A hybrid printer in accordance with yet another aspect of the presentinvention comprises an original stage; a scanner scanning a scan regionof the original stage and outputting image data corresponding to thescan region; processor processing the image data corresponding to thescan region from the scanner and creating print image data; a printerusing the print image data from the processor to carry out printing at aprint medium; and a selector selecting a mode from among at least two ofa plurality of varieties of copy modes including a normal copy mode, aborderless copy mode, and a unity magnification mode. Furthermore, theprocessor,

-   -   (1) when the normal copy mode is selected, creates, either with        or without alteration of the size of the image data        corresponding to the scan region, the print image data in such        manner as to cause it to be smaller in size than the size of the        print medium;    -   (2) when the borderless copy mode is selected, creates, with        alteration of the size of the image data corresponding to the        scan region, the print image data in such manner as to cause it        to be larger in size than the size of the print medium; and/or    -   (3) when the unity magnification copy mode is selected, creates        the print image data without alteration of the size of the image        data corresponding to the scan region.

A preferred embodiment may further comprise a print start controllercontrolling a print start location of the print engines incorrespondence to the mode selected by the selector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external appearance of a hybrid printerassociated with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of hybridprinter 1 associated with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing characteristic portions associated withborderless printing.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining adjustment of print magnificationassociated with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining adjustment of print magnificationassociated with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining operation of a hybrid printerassociated with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carrying outoperations in accordance with a NORMAL COPY MODE.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carrying outoperations in accordance with a COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carrying outoperations in accordance with a QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when employing theQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE of FIG. 9 and when printer margin 45C ischanged.

FIG. 11 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when employing theQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE of FIGS. 9 and 10 and when printer margin 45Cis changed.

FIG. 12 is a drawing showing, in the context of a QUASI-BORDERLESS COPYMODE, a plurality of print start locations respectively corresponding toa plurality of copy magnifications settable based on printer margin 45C.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing flow of processing in connection withcopying such as might be carried out in the context of a multimodehybrid printer.

FIG. 14 is a drawing showing, during adjustment of copy magnification bypage fitting functionality in the context of a QUASI-BORDERLESS COPYMODE, a plurality of print start locations respectively corresponding toa plurality of copy magnifications settable based on printer margin 45C.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a printer margin adjustmentscreen.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing constitution and function of theprincipal parts of another embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an original stage for explaining scanregion(s) in the context of four-sided borderless copying.

FIG. 18 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 221 and cropping processing 232 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing constitution and function of theprincipal parts of yet another embodiment of a hybrid printer inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an original stage for explaining originalstage scan region(s) during prescan and during main scan in the contextof four-sided borderless copying.

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 321 and cropping processing 333 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external appearance of a hybrid printerassociated with a first embodiment of the present invention. This hybridprinter 1 has scanner functionality by which it captures document(s) orother such original(s) in the form of scan image data, and has printerfunctionality by which it converts scan image data, application data,and/or other such data subject to printing into print image data andcarries out printing on printing paper. Provided at the interior ofhybrid printer 1 there is or are control apparatus(es), control beingcarried out in comprehensive fashion and various functions beingimplemented thereby.

As shown in same drawing, provided at the top of the main body of hybridprinter 1 there are liquid crystal panel(s) and various buttons forminguser interface(s) 11. User(s) can, by way of this user interface 11,scan original(s), give print instructions, enter various settingsrelated to conditions in connection with scan, settings related toprinting conditions, and so forth.

Furthermore, provided at the top of the main body of hybrid printer 1there are original stage(s) 12, having glass surface(s) for placement oforiginal(s), and cover(s) 13. While not shown in the drawing, providedbeneath original stage(s) 12 there are light source(s) for irradiating,with light, original(s) placed on glass surface(s) of original stage(s)12, and optical sensor(s) receiving such light after it is reflected.Upon accepting image scan instruction(s) and/or printing instruction(s)from user(s) by way of user interface(s) 11, hybrid printer 1 capturesoriginal(s) placed on original stage(s) 12 in the form of scan imagedata which is stored in prescribed data format(s) in internal memory ormemories. Hybrid printer 1 then carries out printing on printing paperbased on scan image data stored in memory or memories. Followingprinting, hybrid printer 1 discharges printing paper into discharge tray14.

Furthermore, provided at the front of the main body of hybrid printer 1there are card slot(s) 15 serving as external interface(s). Card slot(s)14 might, for example, conform to PCMCIA specification(s), and might beconstructed so as to permit insertion and removal of memory card(s) (notshown) conforming to such specification(s). When a memory card is, forexample, inserted in card slot 15 and presence thereof has beendetected, hybrid printer 1 might display a message at liquid crystalpanel(s) soliciting instruction(s) for execution of printing. Inresponse thereto, a user might perform operations for setting ofprinting conditions as necessary (or not) and might give printinstruction(s). Hybrid printer 1, upon accepting print instruction(s)from user(s), would read image-containing data recorded on memorycard(s) and carry out printing on printing paper. Following printing,hybrid printer 1 would discharge printing paper into discharge tray 14.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of hybridprinter 1 associated with the present embodiment. Processor(s) 21execute various control programs. That is, execution by processor(s) 21of various programs stored in ROM(s) 22 causes prescribed functionalityor functionalities of hybrid printer 1 to be implemented in conjunctionwith other hardware. In the present embodiment, at least user interfacefunctionality, scanner functionality, image creation functionality,print control functionality, and the like are implemented.

External interface circuitry 24 is for making it possible forprocessor(s) 21 to access memory card(s) 2 present in card slot(s) 15.After image-containing data stored on memory card(s) is loaded intoRAM(s) 23 by way of this external interface circuitry 24, processor(s)21 create image data based on that image-containing data in accordancewith any printing conditions which may have been set.

Scanner circuitry 25 is for scanning original(s) placed on originalstage(s) 12 and capturing same in the form of scan image data. Afterscan image data captured by this scanner circuitry 29 is loaded intoRAM(s) 23, processor(s) 21 create print image data based on scan imagedata in accordance with any printing conditions which may have been set.Scanner circuitry 25 employed may be such as will accommodate imageinput technique(s) (reducing-type optical technique(s) in which lens(es)are used to scan reduced image(s) of original(s), contact-type opticaltechnique(s) in which CCD(s) as wide as original(s) are used to scanoriginal(s) at unity magnification, etc.). Furthermore, scannercircuitry 25 employed may be such as will accommodate prescribedmethod(s) for scanning of original color information (method(s)involving combination of monochromatic CCD(s) and color filter(s),method(s) employing color linear CCD(s) which themselves have colorseparating capability, etc.).

Image memory or memories 26 are for storing print image data which hasbeen created. Engine controller(s) 27 control operation of printengine(s) 28, and at the same time, read print image data stored inimage memory or memories 26 and supply same to print engine(s) 28.Activation of engine controller(s) 27 might, for example, be triggeredby command(s) to execute printing sent from processor(s) 21 at time(s)when print image data of a prescribed width of band have been expanded,the expanded data being written to image memory or memories 26.

Print engine(s) 28—comprising, for example, paper feed mechanism(s),printhead(s), and so forth—are for carrying out printing on paper orother such print medium or media. Print engine(s) 28 employed may besuch as will accommodate use in such types of printers as laserprinters, serial printers, and/or the like.

User interface circuitry 29 is for controlling user interface 11, whichis implemented by means of liquid crystal panel(s) and various buttons.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing, in schematic fashion, characteristicportions of a print mechanism accommodating borderless printing.

Provided in the discharge path of paper 113 which is fed by paper feedmechanism(s) within hybrid printer 1 is/are platen(s) 111 supportingpaper 113 from the side thereof opposite the side thereof which receivesthe jetted ink. Embedded within platen(s) 111, at location(s) facingpath(s) of travel of carriage(s) 115, is/are ink absorber(s) 116 forabsorbing ink jetted from printhead(s) in carriage(s) 115.

Ink absorber 116—being, for example, urethane resin—is long in adirection parallel to the direction of travel of carriage 115 and is ofconstant width in a direction parallel to the paper feed direction. Thisbeing the case, even if ink is jetted above the top edge or below thebottom edge of paper 113 in accompaniment to reciprocating travel ofcarriage 115, because such ink will be received by and absorbed by inkabsorber 116, platen 111 will not be soiled by ink jetted beyond theedges of paper 113.

Furthermore, at ink absorber 116, right edge portion 117A, left edgeportion 117D, and prescribed portions 117B and 117C therebetween, arewidened (i.e., elongated) in the paper feed direction and in thedirection opposite thereto. This being the case, even if ink is jettedto the left of the left edge or to the right of the right edge of paper113 in accompaniment to reciprocating travel of carriage 115, becausesuch ink will be received by and absorbed by ink absorber 116, platen111 will not be soiled by ink jetted beyond the edges of paper 113.Moreover, because the widened portion(s) are only specific portions 117Athrough 117D of ink absorber 116, the paper size(s) for which it ispossible to carry out borderless printing without soiling of platen 111may be all of the plurality of paper sizes which hybrid printer 1 iscapable of accommodating; or alternatively, may be limited to a numberof specific sizes, e.g., standard A4 size (210 mm×297 mm), B5 size (182mm×257 mm), and the Japanese postcard size (100 mm×148 mm). If the sizeof paper 113 is, for example, A4 size, ink absorber 116 would absorb inkjetted beyond the left edge and right edge of paper 113 at portions 117Aand 117D; if the size of paper 113 is, for example, B5 size, inkabsorber 116 would absorb ink jetted beyond the left edge and right edgeof paper 113 at portions 1171B and 117D; and if the size of paper 113is, for example, Japanese postcard size, ink absorber 116 would absorbink jetted beyond the left edge and right edge of paper 113 at portions117C and 117D.

In accordance with a constitution such as the foregoing, soiling ofplaten 11 by ink jetted beyond paper 113 does not occur even whenborderless printing is carried out (note that more specific detail withrespect to the constitution described with reference to FIG. 3 can befound in the specifications and drawings attached to patent applicationspreviously filed by the present applicant (Japanese Patent ApplicationNos. 2000-275965 and 2000-295861). Borderless printing may be carriedout responsive to user request when in hybrid printer mode(s) and/orprinter mode(s), described below.

In the present embodiment, printing is carried out with printmagnification being adjusted during creation of print image data basedon scan image data captured under the control of scanner circuitry 25 insuch manner as to cause printed image(s) to be enlarged relative tooriginal image(s) by amount(s) such as would not appear visually strangeto user(s).

In the event that scan region(s) captured by scanner mechanism(s) are tobe formed so as to, for example, include region(s) outside periphery orperipheries of original(s), print magnification might be adjusted so asto yield enlargement such as will cause perimeter boundary portion(s) oforiginal(s) to correspond to perimeter boundary portion(s) of printingpaper. Furthermore, in the event that scan region(s) to be captured byscanner mechanism(s) are to be formed at region(s) inside perimeter(s)of original(s), adjustment of the print magnification might be carriedout so as to yield enlargement such as will cause perimeter boundaryportion(s) of such region(s) inside perimeter(s) to correspond tooutside edge boundary portion(s) of printing paper. However, in eithercase, it is preferred not that the two perfectly overlap and match, butthat, allowing for error(s), outside edge boundary portion(s) ofprinting paper be slightly exceeded. Print magnification is definedbased on the relationship between scan region(s) and actual originalsize(s), a print magnification of on the order of 104% to 106% beingpreferred, and a print magnification of on the order of 105% being stillmore preferred.

In more specific terms, as an example of the former, where as shown inFIG. 4—an original is captured at hybrid printer 1 with A4 size beingspecified as original size, the image (scan image) that is actuallycaptured might be a scan region which includes the region outside theperiphery of that original. In this case, because that outside region isa superfluous region which is not supposed to appear in the printresults, print magnification is adjusted so as to yield enlargement suchas will cause perimeter boundary portion A of the actual original tocorrespond to perimeter boundary portion A′ of the printing paper whenfour-sided borderless printing is carried out. This being the case,superfluous region(s) is/are not printed and it is possible to obtainprint results capable of satisfying users when four-sided borderlessprinting is carried out.

Furthermore, as an example of the latter, where—as shown in FIG. 5—anoriginal is captured at hybrid printer 1 with A4 size being specified asoriginal size, the image that is actually captured might be a scanregion in which the region inside the original-size perimeter is amargin-like region. In such case, because printing this without furthermodification would cause the margin-like region to appear in the printresults, print magnification is adjusted so as to yield enlargement suchas will cause inside boundary portion A of the region inside theperimeter of the original to correspond to outside edge boundary portionA′ of the printing paper when four-sided borderless printing is carriedout. This being the case, margin-like region(s) produced where capturewas not possible at the time of capture is/are not printed and it ispossible to obtain print results capable of satisfying users whenfour-sided borderless printing is carried out.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining operation of hybrid printer 1associated with the present embodiment. At same FIG., the series ofprocessing steps occurring following capture of original(s) in the formof image(s) by means of scanner functionality up to the point in timewhen printing thereof is carried out by means of printing functionalityis shown in a single flowchart.

To wit, when a user places an original on original stage 12, closescover 13, and operates user interface 11 so as to give image scaninstruction(s) and/or printing instruction(s), hybrid printer 1, underthe control of scanner circuitry 209, controls the scanner mechanism andcarries out operations for scanning of the original, the scanned imagebeing temporarily stored at RAM 23 in the form of scan image data (step501). Following completion of scanning by the scanner mechanism, hybridprinter 1 converts the scan image data into print image data which isexpanded, the expanded data being written to image memory 26. At thistime, hybrid printer 1 carries out conversion into image data consistentwith a print magnification (e.g., 105%) which has been previously set soas to cause the print image to be enlarged relative to the initial image(original image) (step 502). Moreover, following conclusion ofconversion into image data, hybrid printer 1 supplies the image datawhich has been stored in image memory 26 to print engine 28, and carriesout printing on printing paper (step 503). Note also that supply ofprint image data to print engine 28 may be initiated at the stage whereprint image data of a prescribed width of band(s) have been stored atimage memory 26.

As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment, becauseprint image data is created based on captured scan image data with printmagnification being adjusted in such manner as to cause printed image(s)to be enlarged relative to original image(s) by amount(s) such as wouldnot appear visually strange to user(s) and printing is carried out inaccordance with such created print image data, even where scan region(s)during capture of image(s) contain superfluous region(s) and/or containmargin-like region(s) in the event that it is not possible to capturethe entire original, such superfluous region(s) and/or margin-likeregion(s) will not appear in print results and it is possible to obtainresults capable of satisfying users when four-sided borderless printingis carried out. In particular, the present embodiment makes it possibleto address user demand with respect to ability to achieve satisfactoryfour-sided borderless printing while keeping product cost to a minimumand without the need to improve the mechanical precision of the scannermechanism and/or the print mechanism.

Next, another embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance with thepresent invention will be described.

Such a hybrid printer might, for example, have a constitution such as isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and might, moreover, be provided not only withhybrid printer functionality but also with functionality permitting itto also serve as standalone image scanner and functionality permittingit to also serve as standalone inkjet printer. Such a hybrid printermight have user-selectable scanner mode(s), printer mode(s), and hybridprinter mode(s), such modes being capable of being entered inalternative fashion in response to user request; i.e., such hybridprinter might be capable of being used in multimode fashion (such ahybrid printer will hereinafter be referred to as a “multimode hybridprinter”).

In the event that scanner mode has been specified, the multimode hybridprinter might carry out processing whereby image(s) of original(s)placed at prescribed location(s) on original stage(s) is/are opticallyscanned, scan image data is created, and such scan image data is sent topersonal computer(s) and/or other such host apparatus(es), not shown. Inthe event that printer mode has been specified, the multimode hybridprinter might carry out processing whereby print image data is receivedfrom host apparatus(es), not shown, and image(s) represented by suchprint image data is/are printed on user-specified printing paper. In theevent that hybrid printer mode has been specified, the multimode hybridprinter might carry out processing whereby print image data is createdbased on scan image data created as a result of scanning of original(s)placed on original stage(s), and print image(s) represented by suchprint image data is/are printed on user-specified printing paper.

Provided at control panel(s), not shown, provided at the multimodehybrid printer there are a plurality of buttons for entering desiredsetting(s) at and/or giving desired command(s) to the multimode hybridprinter, and display screen(s) at which current mode setting(s) of themultimode hybrid printer, status(es) of the multimode hybrid printer,and/or the like may be displayed. User(s) can use such control panel(s)to switch among scanner mode(s), printer mode(s), and hybrid printermode(s). Furthermore, within hybrid printer mode, user(s) can use suchcontrol panel(s) to selectively specify NORMAL COPY MODE(S), COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE(S), and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE(S), describedbelow, and/or to enter settings with respect to number (sets) of copies.

Below, referring to FIG. 7 and following FIGS., a multimode hybridprinter operating in NORMAL COPY MODE(S), COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPYMODE(S), and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE(S) will be described indetail.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur when inNORMAL COPY MODE. Note that, in order to simplify the description whichfollows, as shown in this drawing the size of original 43 and the sizeof printing paper 47 are assumed to be identical, and copy magnificationis assumed to be “unity magnification” (and the same is also assumed tobe true with respect to FIGS. 8 through 11, below).

NORMAL COPY MODE is a mode for causing the image of original 43 to becopied with margin-like space(s). Notwithstanding that other mode(s)calling for the image of original 43 to be copied without border(s)(i.e., COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPYMODE) may have been set, NORMAL COPY MODE is the mode that willautomatically be entered in the event that the size of printing paper 47is not among the aforementioned specific size(s) accommodatingborderless printing.

In NORMAL COPY MODE, normal-copy printer margin(s) 45A (e.g., +3 mm)is/are set such as is/are sufficient to definitively prevent ink frombeing jetted beyond the edges of printing paper 47 due to variation inprint start location (or, stated from a different perspective, such asis/are sufficient to definitively cause formation of margin-like spacesat the top, bottom, left, and right edges of printing paper 47 despitevariation in print start location).

Furthermore, in NORMAL COPY MODE, scanner margin(s) 41 is/are set suchas will permit the image of original 43 to be definitively scanneddespite variation in original scan start location. Scanner margin(s) 41is/are ordinarily set to value(s) (e.g., 1.5 mm) which is/are smallerthan normal-copy printer margin(s) 45A (similar value(s) also being setfor same in the other modes COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE andQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE). The reason for this is that it is possibleto achieve a mechanical precision with image scanner 23 that is higherthan that of printer 24, as a result of which it is possible to achievea variation in original scan start location that is smaller than thevariation in print start location.

Copying might take place as follows when in NORMAL COPY MODE.

To wit, at original 43 which has been placed on an original stage, animage scanner might scan the locus (i.e., scan region) 44 to theinterior of previously set scanner margin 41. As a result, scannercircuitry creates scan image data representing scan image 80 presentwithin scan region 44.

Processor(s) within the multimode copy apparatus correct the size ofscan image 80 represented by scan image data, transforming it into asize such as will fit inside region (print region) 100 on printing paper47 which is stepped inward from the edge(s) of printing paper 47 by theamount of normal-copy printer margin 45A, creating print image datarepresenting scan image 44A which has been corrected in size, and causescan image 44A to be printed on printing paper 47 based on that printimage data.

More specifically, based on normal-copy printer margin 45A, processor(s)within the multimode copy apparatus crop portion(s) 44B, identical inwidth to normal-copy printer margin 45A, from portion(s) containing theright edge and bottom edge of scan image 80. Moreover, from portion(s)containing the top edge and left edge of the rectangular region whichremains after cropping, processor(s) crop portion(s) 44C containing themargin(s) remaining after scanner margin 41 is subtracted fromnormal-copy printer margin 45A (portion(s) 44C may, instead of beingportion(s) containing the top edge and left edge, be portion(s)containing the bottom edge and right edge). In addition, processor(s)control engine controller(s) such that printing is carried out on paper47 so as to cause the portion 44A to be printed which remains after theaforementioned portion(s) 44B and portion(s) 44C have been cropped fromscan image 80 (i.e., the scan image after correction in size) to bepositioned in the center of printing paper 47 (i.e., so as to cause thecenter of the portion 44A to be printed to coincide with the center ofprinting paper 47). As a result, margin-like spaces equal to normal-copyprinter margin 45A are formed in the vicinities of the top, bottom,left, and right edges of printing paper 47 on which the portion 44A tobe printed has been printed. Note that the print start location forcausing the portion 44A to be printed to be positioned in the center ofpaper 47 may, with the upper left corner of the portion 44A to beprinted serving as reference point, have been determined in advance ormay be determined based on calculation performed during printing of eachpage.

By means of a method such as the foregoing, it is possible to carry outcopying at unity magnification with formation of margin-like spacesequal to printer margin 45A even where scanner margin 41 is smaller thanprinter margin 45A.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur when inCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE is a mode for causing the image oforiginal 43 to be copied completely without formation of margin-likespace(s) (execution of this mode may not be possible unless, forexample, the size of printing paper 47 is among the aforementionedspecific size(s) accommodating borderless printing).

In COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE, scan image 80 is printed on printingpaper 47 such that it is enlarged so as to be a size which is largerthan the size of printing paper 47. As scan image size(s) which willdefinitively ensure successful borderless printing, considering thevariation in print start location attributable to the mechanicalprecision of the print mechanism of the multimode hybrid printer, where,for example, the scan image is disposed in the center of paper 47,size(s) might be employed such as is/are sufficient to cause such imageto extend at least approximately 3 mm beyond the top, bottom, left, andright edges of the printing paper. Considering the width(s) of suchoverextending portion(s) 200 to be “printer margin(s)” under a broaddefinition of that term, completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45Bis set in advance and copying is carried out based on this printermargin 45B when in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.Completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B, which is such as to causethe size of the printed image to be a size definitively extending beyondthe edges of paper 47 and which is thus set with the intention ofcausing printing to be carried out such that margin-like space(s) aredefinitively not formed, is in a symmetric relationship with normal-copyprinter margin 45A, which is such as to cause the entire printed imageto definitively fit within the confines of paper 47 and which is thusset with the intention of preventing jetting of ink beyond the edges ofpaper 11 and soiling of platen 11. In the present embodiment, therefore,the size of normal-copy printer margin 45A will be represented by apositive value, and completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B willbe represented by a negative value (e.g., −3 mm).

Now, copying might take place as follows when in COMPLETELY BORDERLESSCOPY MODE.

To wit, scanner circuitry acquires scan image 80 by scanning an image ofthe region (i.e., scan region) on original 43 which is stepped inwardfrom the edge(s) of original 43 by the amount of previously set scannermargin 41.

Processor(s) within the multimode hybrid printer enlarge acquired scanimage 80, creating image 80A, consistent with printer margin 45B. Note,however, that the magnification by which image 80A is enlarged at thistime is, taking scan image 80 to be 100, definitively less than would bethe case were conventional borderless-printing printer technology to beapplied without modification to a conventional hybrid printer. Thereason for this is that, in the present embodiment, scanner margin 41 isnot set so as to be equal in size to the large printer margin 45Aemployed for normal copying but is set to a small size consistent withthe high mechanical precision of the scanner mechanism. As a result,copying can be carried out at magnification(s) close to unitymagnification even when borderless copying is being carried out.

Now, having enlarged scan image 80 and transformed it into image(hereinafter “enlarged scan image”) 80A, processor(s) control enginecontroller(s) so as to cause enlarged scan image 80A to be printed onpaper 47 such that center C1 of original 43 at enlarged scan image 80Acoincides with center C2 of printing paper 47 representing copy results.As a result, an image of the scan region of original 43 is copied inborderless fashion at the center of printing paper 47 (but note thatsince scan image 80 is enlarged so as to be larger than the size ofprinting paper 47, this does not mean that the entire expanse of scanimage 80 will fall on paper 47). Note that the print start location forcarrying out such copying may have been determined in advance or may bedetermined based on calculation performed during printing of each page.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur when inQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE is a mode for obtaining a borderless image ofan original but at magnification(s) closer to desired copymagnification(s) (e.g., unity magnification) than would be the case withCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

In QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, the printer margin(s) (hereinafter“quasi-borderless-copy printer margin(s)”) 45C which is/are set is/areof size(s) (e.g., −1.5 mm) smaller than normal-copy printer margin(s)45A (e.g., +3 mm) but larger than completely-borderless-copy printermargin(s) 45B (e.g., −3 mm). This being the case, in QUASI-BORDERLESSCOPY MODE, enlarged scan image 80B is, when printed, larger than a sizesuch as will fit inside the region on printing paper 47 which is steppedinward from the edge(s) of printing paper 47 by the amount ofnormal-copy printer margin 45A, but smaller than the size of scannedimage 80A as printed when in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE. As aresult, when copying is carried out in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, itwill be the case either that absolutely no margin-like space is formedor, if margin-like space(s) is/are formed, that margin-like space(s)narrower in width than would be the case with NORMAL COPY MODE is/areformed at at least one edge of printing paper 47. Because copying may becarried out completely without formation of margin-like space(s), itwill not be possible to execute QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE unless thesize of printing paper 47 is among the aforementioned specific size(s)accommodating borderless printing, just as was the case with COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE.

Copying may be carried out in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE in the samefashion as in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

To wit, scanner circuitry acquires scan image 80 by scanning an image ofthe region on original 43 which is stepped inward from the edge(s) oforiginal 43 by the amount of previously set scanner margin 41.

Processor(s) within the multimode hybrid printer enlarge acquired scanimage 80 and create image (hereinafter “enlarged scan image”) 80Bconsistent with printer margin 45C. The magnification of enlarged scanimage 80B at this time is, taking the initial scan image 80 to be 100,less than would be the case with COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE, as wasstated above. As a result, in the event that borderless printing issuccessful, the image produced as a result of copying will be an imagewhich is closer to the desired magnification(s) (e.g., unitymagnification) than would be the case for a borderless image produced inCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

Now, having created enlarged scan image 80B, processor(s) control enginecontroller(s) so as to cause enlarged scan image 80B to be printed onpaper 47 such that center C1 of original 43 at enlarged scan image 80Bcoincides with center C2 of printing paper 47 representing copy results.As a result, image 80 of the scan region of original 43 can be copied inborderless fashion at the center of printing paper 47. Note that theprint start location for carrying out such copying may have beendetermined in advance or may be determined based on calculationperformed during printing of each page.

Above, QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE has been described. Note that, in thismode, printer margin(s) 45C may be any size whatsoever so long as theaforementioned condition is satisfied (i.e., printer margin(s) 45C mustbe within the range from normal-copy printer margin 45A tocompletely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B). For example, as shown inFIG. 10, employing a quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C of 0 mmwill permit (but not definitively however) execution of completelyborderless copying at copy magnification(s) closest to that or thosedesired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification). Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 11, employing a quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C of 1.5mm—the same as scanner margin 41—will permit execution of substantiallycompletely borderless copying (some small margin-like space(s) beingformed) but at copy magnification(s) exactly matching that or thoserequested by user(s) (in which case, scan image 80 may be printedwithout modification or may be printed after first cropping awaytherefrom prescribed portion(s) 44D consistent withquasi-borderless-copy-mode printer margin 45C).

Furthermore, in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, quasi-borderless-copyprinter margin 45C may be automatically adjusted within theaforementioned range in accordance with prescribed algorithm(s) (e.g.,based on the state of the multimode hybrid printer). More specifically,automatic adjustment of magnification(s) of scan image 80 within aspecific range (e.g., within a range from 100% to 105% where the copymagnification desired by the user is 100% (unity magnification)) mightcause quasi-borderless-copy-mode printer margin 45C to be automaticallyadjusted within the aforementioned range. Referring to the example shownin FIG. 12, in the event that the magnification of scan image 80 isadjusted, the print start location of scan image 80A as enlarged basedon adjusted magnification may itself be adjusted based on calculationand/or preprepared table(s) (table(s) recording respective print startlocation(s) corresponding to respective magnification(s)).

Below, referring to FIG. 13, flow of processing in connection withcopying such as might be carried out in the context of theaforementioned multimode hybrid printer is described. Note that, in thedescription which follows, original and printing paper sizes are forconvenience of description assumed to be identical, and printing papersize(s) are assumed to be size(s) accommodating completely borderlesscopying. Furthermore, the copy magnification specified by the user isassumed to be unity magnification.

When a copy start button (not shown) on a control panel is pressed, themultimode hybrid printer begins copying (step S0).

At such time, in the event that the mode specified by the user is NORMALCOPY MODE (NORMAL COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might be asfollows (note that the following description is made with reference toFIG. 13).

That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage is firstscanned (S2) consistent with scanner margin 41 (e.g., 1.5 mm), and scanimage 80 is acquired. In addition, this scan image 80 is croppedconsistent with normal-copy printer margin 45A (e.g., 3 mm), perimeterportion(s) 44B and portion(s) 44C thereof being removed therefrom in themanner as has already been described (S3). Print start location(s) ofportion(s) 44A which remain after cropping is/are adjusted based oncalculation and/or preprepared table(s) as described above (S8), andportion(s) 44A is/are thereafter printed at the approximate center ofprinting paper 47 (S9).

Furthermore, at the start of copying (step S0), in the event that themode specified by the user is COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE(COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might be asfollows (note that the following description is made with reference toFIG. 12 and with reference to FIG. 7).

That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage is firstscanned (S4), and scan image 80 is acquired. In addition, this scanimage 80 is enlarged consistent with completely-borderless-copy printermargin 45B (e.g., −3 mm) (S5). Print start location(s) of enlarged scanimage(s) 80A is/are adjusted based on calculation and/or prepreparedtable(s) as described above (S8), and enlarged scan image(s) 80A is/arethereafter printed on printing paper 47 (S9).

Furthermore, at the start of copying (step S0), in the event that themode specified by the user is QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE(QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might be asfollows (note that the following description is made with reference toFIG. 13 and with reference to FIGS. 9 through 11).

That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage is firstscanned (S11), and scan image 80 is acquired. In addition, the size ofthis scan image 80 is corrected (i.e., is enlarged somewhat (e.g.,enlarged at some magnification between 101% and 105%) or specificportion(s) is/are cropped away therefrom) consistent withquasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C (quasi-borderless-copy printermargin 45C being, e.g., some value within the range from +3 mm to −3 mm)which may have been set in advance or which may be calculated at thistime, i.e., at the time of copying, using a prescribed algorithm (S7)(but note that correction is unnecessary in the special case where thesize of quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C is the same as the sizeof scanner margin 41). Print start location(s) of the size-correctedimage(s) is/are adjusted based on calculation and/or prepreparedtable(s) as described above (S8), and the size-corrected image(s) is/arethereafter printed on printing paper 47 (S9). The foregoing is asequence of operations in connection with copying such as might becarried out in the context of a multimode hybrid printer associated withthe present embodiment.

Moreover, in this sequence of operations, if the sizes of original 43and paper 47 are different, the multimode hybrid printer mightautomatically adjust copy magnification (i.e., might automaticallyadjust the size of the image of the scanned original) based on thedifference in sizes of original 43 and paper 47 (the respective sizes oforiginal 43 and paper 47 may be identified by means of prescribedsensor(s) and/or may be identified as a result of communication by theuser).

If, for example, original 43 is photograph size L and paper 47 is sizeA4, copy magnification might be set to 233% in order to permit propernormal copying of the image of original 43 onto the entirety of paper 47(such functionality will hereinafter be referred to as “page fittingfunctionality”). In such a case, in order to adjustquasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C within the aforementioned range(i.e., within the range from normal-copy printer margin 45A tocompletely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B), the multimode hybridprinter might in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE further adjust within aspecific range (e.g., within a range from 233% to 252%) the copymagnification of “233%” which was obtained as a result of the foregoingadjustment. As shown in FIG. 14, the print start location of the scanimage which has been corrected in size based on adjusted magnificationmay be adjusted based on calculation and/or preprepared table(s)(table(s) recording respective print start location(s) corresponding torespective magnification(s)).

Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, where COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE has beenspecified despite the fact that size(s) of printing paper 47 specifiedby user(s) is/are not size(s) accommodating borderless printing,message(s) to the effect that specified copy mode(s) cannot be executedmight be displayed at display screen(s) at control panel(s).

Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, where copymagnification(s) greater than unity magnification (i.e., for enlargedcopy or copies) and/or copy magnification(s) less than unitymagnification (i.e., for reduced copy or copies) have been specified byuser(s), size(s) of scan image(s) 80 may be enlarged and/or reducedbased on such copy magnification(s). In the event that enlarged and/orreduced image(s) of scanned original(s) do not fit within printregion(s) as defined by printer margin(s) 45A, 45B, and/or 45C in any ofthe several foregoing copy modes, it or they may be corrected in size(i.e., it or they may be reduced and/or portion(s) extending beyondprint region(s) may be cropped off therefrom) so as to cause it or theyto fit within the print region(s). On the other hand, in the event thatenlarged and/or reduced scan image(s) do fit within print region(s) asdefined by printer margin(s) 45A, 45B, and/or 45C, it or they may beprinted at the approximate center of printing paper 47 either withoutfurther modification—there being no particular occasion for sizecorrection—or after first being enlarged to size(s) matching such printregion(s).

Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, the multimodehybrid printer might accept selection with respect to which is to begiven priority: specified copy magnification(s) (and/or copymagnification(s) calculated by means of page fitting functionality) orspecified copy mode(s). In such case, in the event that it is selectedthat priority should be given to copy magnification(s), the multimodehybrid printer would print scan image(s) 80 as corrected in size inaccordance with specified copy magnification(s) without furthermodification even where, as a result of correction of size(s) of suchimage(s) in accordance with such copy magnification(s), printing ofsize-corrected image(s) without further modification would make itimpossible to successfully execute user-specified copy mode(s) (e.g.,where printing would result in formation of margin-like space(s) despitethe fact that COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE was specified). On theother hand, in the event that it is specified that priority should begiven to copy mode(s), if printing of image(s) as corrected in size inaccordance with user-specified copy magnification(s) without furthermodification would make it impossible to successfully executeuser-specified copy mode(s) (e.g., when printing would result information of margin-like space(s) despite the fact that COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE has been specified), the multimode hybrid printerwould further correct size(s) of size-corrected image(s) so as to makeit possible to successfully execute user-specified copy mode(s) beforeprinting same.

As described above, in accordance with the foregoing second embodiment,it is possible for scanner margin 41 to be set to a small sizeconsistent with the high mechanical precision of the scanner mechanismrather than being set so as to be equal in size to the large printermargin 45A employed for normal copying. This makes it possible to carryout borderless copying at magnification(s) closer to that or thosedesired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification) than would be the casewere conventional borderless-printing printer technology to be appliedwithout modification to a conventional hybrid printer.

Furthermore, in accordance with the foregoing second embodiment, a mode,i.e., QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, for carrying out copying in a fashionthat is intermediate between normal copying and completely borderlesscopying is available. In quasi-borderless copy mode, the size of scanimage 80 is corrected so as to be larger than would be the case fornormal copying but smaller than would be the case for completelyborderless copying. This being the case, it is possible to carry outcompletely borderless copying at magnification(s) closer tomagnification(s) desired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification).

Moreover, variations such as the following could also be contemplated inconnection with this second embodiment.

To wit, printer margin adjustment screen 1000 such as that shown by wayof example in FIG. 15 might be displayed at a control panel of themultimode hybrid printer (or if a host apparatus is connected to themultimode hybrid printer, at a display screen of the host apparatus).Printer margin adjustment screen 1000 may be employed to freely adjustprinter margin(s) so as to be within prescribed range(s). Below, printermargin adjustment screen 1000 is described in detail (note, moreover,that scanner margin in the present embodiment is assumed to be “1.5mm”).

Printer margin adjustment screen 1000 is provided with original sizedisplay area(s) 1001, specified print magnification display area(s)1005, printing paper size display area(s) 1002, printer marginadjustment area(s) 1003, andprint-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margin display area(s)1004.

Displayed at original size display area 1001 is/are size(s) oforiginal(s) placed on original stage(s) 60. Moreover, original size(s)displayed at this original size display area 1001 may be automaticallyidentified by the multimode hybrid printer and/or may be manually inputby user(s).

Displayed at printing paper size display area 1002 is/are size(s) ofpaper on which printing is to be carried out as contained in currentsettings.

Displayed at specified print magnification display area 1005 is/areprint magnification(s) (e.g., 100%) as manually specified by user(s).Moreover, in the event that, for example, original size(s) displayed atoriginal size display area 1001 and printing paper size(s) displayed atprinting paper size display area 1002 are different, printmagnification(s) displayed at this area 1005 may be printmagnification(s) as automatically adjusted by page fittingfunctionality.

Displayed at printer margin adjustment area 1003 in touch panel fashionor in other such fashion as to permit selection thereamong are aplurality of (e.g., five) printer margins. Furthermore, also displayedat printer margin adjustment area 1003 for each of the plurality ofselectable printer margins is a description of what printing would belike if printing were to actually be carried out with that printermargin (this need only be some emblematic representation on the likesufficient to convey a sense of what printing would be like for each).

Displayed at print-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margindisplay area 1004 are a plurality of (e.g., five) print magnificationsas would result after adjustment of printer margin, these respectivelycorresponding to the aforementioned plurality of printer margins. “Printmagnification after adjustment of printer margin” shows how printermargin settings affect print magnification for a given specified printmagnification. Taking the situation depicted in the drawing, in theevent, for example, that 100% printing (i.e., printing at unitymagnification) is specified, selecting a printer margin of “1.5 mm”—thisbeing identical in size to the scanner margin of “1.5 mm”—might resultin display to the effect that 100% printing will definitely be possible.But despite the fact, for example, that 100% printing has beenspecified, setting printer margin to “−3 mm”—this being considerablydifferent from the scanner margin of “1.5 mm”—might result in display tothe effect that print magnification will increase to 105%. Whenspecified print magnification (i.e., print magnification displayed atspecified print magnification display area 1005) is changed, therespective print magnifications as would result after adjustment ofprinter margin which are displayed atprint-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margin display area 1004are automatically changed in correspondence thereto.

In accordance with the present embodiment, the user can, at this printermargin adjustment screen 1000, select desired printer margin(s) fromamong a plurality of printer margins, with copying being carried outconsistent with the selected printer margin(s). This makes it possibleto accurately obtain copy results as desired.

Note also that the manner of printer margin adjustment need not belimited to that shown in FIG. 15. For example, adjustment may beaccomplished by means of increase and/or decrease in prescribedincrements.

A great many variations are possible with respect to the foregoingembodiments. For example, the printer mechanism employed in the hybridprinter is not limited to that of an inkjet printer, it being possibleto employ that of other types of printer; e.g., that of a laser printer.Furthermore, paper size(s) for which it is possible to carry outborderless printing is/are not limited to the three presented above.Either a greater number or a lesser number of such size(s) is possible(for example, print mechanism(s) 27 and the like may be constituted insuch fashion as to permit photograph size L and/or photograph size 2L tobe paper size(s) for which it is possible to carry out borderlessprinting).

FIG. 16 shows constitution and function of the principal parts of yetanother embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance with the presentinvention.

This hybrid printer has mechanical construction as is shown in FIG. 1;furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, there are at the interior thereofscanner circuitry 210, ASIC(s) (Application Specified IC(s)) 220,firmware (i.e., microprocessor(s) executing firmware) 230, printengine(s) 240, and storage device(s) 250.

Scanner circuitry 210 carries out image scan processing 211, scanning inimage(s) of original(s) placed on original stage(s). At such time,firmware 230 carries out scan control 231, controlling image scanprocessing 211 so as to cause scanning of scan region(s) determined incorrespondence to original size(s) specified by user(s). Original scanimage data 251 output from scanner circuitry 210 is temporarily storedin storage device(s) 250 such as, for example, RAM and/or hard drive(s).

ASIC 220 reads scan image data 251 from storage device 250 and moreovercarries out image enlargement processing 221, enlarging such scan imagedata 251 by a certain amount (e.g., enlargement might be 105% whenoriginal size is A4, enlargement might be 109% when original size isJapanese postcard size, etc.). Enlarged image data 252 is temporarilystored in storage device 250. ASIC 220 thereafter reads enlarged imagedata 252 from storage device 250 and moreover carries out colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, converting such enlarged imagedata 252 (e.g., RGB full-color image data) into enlarged dot image data253 (e.g., CMYK binary image data) by means of which the initial imageis represented in simulated fashion through employment of an ink dotmatrix. Enlarged dot image data 253 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 250. It so happens that in the present embodiment ASIC(s) is/areemployed for carrying out image enlargement processing 221 and colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, but this need not be the case,that being merely presented by way of example. It is also possible tocarry out either image enlargement processing 221 or colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, or both image enlargementprocessing 221 and color conversion/halftoning processing 222, by, forexample, executing firmware or other such computer program instead of orin combination with ASIC(s).

Firmware 230 reads enlarged dot image data 253 from storage device 250and moreover carries out cropping processing 232, extracting aseffective print image data 254 the portion(s) remaining after deletionof unwanted perimeter portion(s) from enlarged dot image data 253.Extracted print image data 254 is temporarily stored in storage device250 and is thereafter transferred to print engine 240. Print engine 240uses print image data 254 to drive printhead(s), as a result of whichprintout(s) is/are created.

FIG. 17 shows a plan view of an original stage for explaining originalstage scan region(s) scanned by means of scanner circuitry 210 in asituation where four-sided borderless copying is being carried out.

At FIG. 17, reference numeral 260 indicates an original stage frame,this frame being constituted by the hybrid printer housing. Capturedwithin this frame 260 is plate glass original stage 261. A user mightplace an original of desired size on glass original stage 261, and mightspecify to the hybrid printer that the size of the original so placedis, for example, A4 or B5. While hybrid printer might not directly knowthe size or location of the original actually placed on glass originalstage 261, it might assume that an original 262 of size as specified bythe user has been placed on glass original stage 261 at standardlocation and in standard orientation (e.g., as shown by way of examplein FIG. 17, at such location and in such orientation as to cause theupper left corner, top (short) edge, and left (long) edge of thatoriginal 262 to respectively match the upper left corner, top (short)edge, and left (long) edge of glass original stage 261). An original 262assumed to exist in this fashion will hereinafter be distinguished froman actual original by referring to same as an “assumed original.”

Enlarging the region occupied by assumed original 262 on glass originalstage 261 somewhat outward therefrom so as to accommodate top, bottom,left, and right margins 264, 265, 266, and 267 of prescribeddimension(s), the hybrid printer establishes such enlarged region 263 asscan region. In other words, scan region 263 is established in suchmanner as to cause assumed original 262 to be completely enclosed byscan region 263 with sufficient clearance therebetween to accommodatetop, bottom, left, and right margins 264, 265, 266. By thus causing scanregion 263 to be established such that it is larger by appropriateamount(s) than assumed original 262, the actual original will in mostcases, so long as the size of the actual original placed on originalstage 261 matches the size specified by the user, lie within the actualscan region (meaning that the entire region of the actual original willbe scanned) despite any slight deviation which may exist in the positionof the actual scan region relative to established scan region 263attributable to the mechanical precision of the scanner mechanism and/ordespite what could be moderate deviation in the orientation and locationof the actual original relative to standard orientation and location. Avalue of 1.5 mm might, for example, be employed for top and left margins264 and 266; a value of 3 mm might, for example, be employed for bottomand right margins 265 and 267.

The hybrid printer scans scan region 263, which is somewhat larger thanassumed original 262 as has been described, the image data correspondingto this scan region 263 being output as scan image data 251 shown inFIG. 16. As described above, the scan image data 251 which is so outputwill in most cases contain image data for the entire region of theactual original placed on glass original stage 261.

FIG. 18 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 221 and cropping processing 232 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

As indicated by arrow 279 in FIG. 18, during image enlargementprocessing 221, image data corresponding to scan region 263 (scan imagedata 251 at FIG. 16) is enlarged at prescribed enlargement about centerpoint 263C thereof, transforming it into image data of size as indicatedat region (hereinafter “enlarged scan region”) 271 shown in the drawing.Image data corresponding to this enlarged scan region 271 is theenlarged image data 252 shown in FIG. 16. Within the image datacorresponding to this enlarged scan region 271, image data correspondingto initial assumed original 262 is enlarged, as indicated by arrow 278,to become image data of size as at region (hereinafter “enlarged paperregion”) 273, which is somewhat larger in size than print media(printing paper) 272 previously specified by the user. This enlargedpaper region 273 is equal to a size obtainable by enlarging the size ofprint media 272 outward by amount(s) sufficient to accommodate top,bottom, left, and right printer margins 274, 275, 276, and 277 ofprescribed dimension(s).

Thereafter, during cropping processing 232, that portion 280 (indicatedby cross-hatching at FIG. 18) of the image data corresponding toenlarged scan region 271 that lies to the exterior of enlarged paperregion 273 is deleted, only the image data corresponding to enlargedpaper region 273 being extracted therefrom. The image data correspondingto enlarged paper region 273 extracted in this fashion is the printimage data 254 shown in FIG. 16. This print image data 254 istransferred to print engine 340, where it is used to drive theprinthead.

As described above, print image data 254 (image data corresponding toenlarged paper region 273) is equal to a size obtainable by enlargingthe size of print media 272 outward by amount(s) sufficient toaccommodate top, bottom, left, and right printer margins 274, 275, 276,and 277 of prescribed dimension(s). As a result, even if the position ofthe actual print media as supplied to the platen deviates somewhat fromthe standard position therefor due to the mechanical precision of thepaper feed mechanism of print engine 340, the actual print media will inmost cases lie completely within the region (enlarged paper region 273)on the platen occupied by the print image data, this being the regionwhich is scanned by the printhead. As a result, four-sided borderlesscopying is made possible. Here, as specific examples of the dimensionsof the aforementioned top, bottom, left, and right printer margins 274,275, 276, and 277, 3 mm may be employed therefor.

While it need not always be so, the size of the original and the size ofthe print media will in many cases be the same. Where the two are thesame, specific examples of values of enlargements employable duringimage enlargement processing 221 might be 105% where the specified sizeof the original is for example standard A4 size (210 mm×297 mm), or 109%where the specified size of the original is for example the Japanesepostcard size (100 mm×148 mm).

FIG. 19 shows constitution and function of the principal parts of yetanother embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance with the presentinvention.

This hybrid printer has mechanical construction as is shown in FIG. 1;furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, there are at the interior thereofscanner circuitry 310, ASIC(s) (Application Specified IC(s)) 320,firmware (i.e., microprocessor(s) executing firmware) 330, printengine(s) 340, and storage device(s) 350.

Scanner circuitry 310 is capable of carrying out prescan processing 311and/or main scan processing 312 in manual and/or automatic fashion. Inthe event that four-sided borderless copying is to be carried out,scanner circuitry 310 might automatically carry out prescan processing311 and main scan processing 312, in this order, in continuous andautomated fashion. At time(s) when prescan processing 311 and/or mainscan processing 312 is/are being carried out, firmware 330 carries outscan control 231, controlling scan region(s) and resolution(s) inconnection with the respective types of processing.

During prescan processing 351, the entire region which could conceivablybe occupied by original(s) (e.g., the entire region of the glassoriginal stage) is scanned at high speed at some prescribed lowresolution (e.g., 50 dpi). Prescan image data 351 corresponding to theentire original stage and obtained as a result of prescan processing 311is temporarily stored in storage device(s) 350 such as, for example, RAMand/or hard drive(s).

After prescan processing 351 has been carried out, firmware 330 readsprescan image data 351 from storage device 350 and moreover carries outoriginal region detection processing 331 with respect to prescan imagedata 351, detecting region(s) on the original stage at which actualoriginal(s) exist.

Any of a variety of methods may be employed as method for originalregion detection processing 331. The procedure listed at (1) through(5), below, represents one of such methods, which is presented here byway of example.

(1) Brightness values of respective pixels of prescan image data 351 arebinarized based on prescribed threshold(s). Where, for example,brightness values range from 0 to 255, a threshold of 210 might, forexample, be employed.

(2) The binary prescan image data 351 is subjected to downsampling. Forexample, each 4×4=16 pixels of binary prescan image data 351 can, bysubjecting same to OR operation(s), be converted into 1 pixel ofdownsampled binary prescan image data 351. In this example, theresolution of binary prescan image data 351 is reduced to one-fourth ofits initial resolution. Note that, hereinafter, the initial resolutionof binary prescan image data 351 will be referred to as the secondresolution thereof, and the resolution obtained as a result ofdownsampling will be referred to as the first resolution thereof.

(3) First-resolution binary prescan image data 351 obtained bydownsampling is subjected to labeling processing. While it is possibleto use any of a variety of algorithms for labeling processing, as oneexample thereof, two-pass-type labeling processing based on8-connectivity might be employed. As a result of labeling processing,groups of mutually connected pixels for which pixel value is equal to 1(labeled region(s) of pixel value 1) are extracted from first-resolutionbinary prescan image data 351.

(4) Labeled region(s) which have been extracted are subjected to noisereduction processing, noise region(s) present due to inclusion of dirt,dust, and/or the like during prescan of the original being removed fromlabeled region(s).

(5) Following noise reduction processing, the smallest rectangularregion that completely encompasses the labeled region(s) is extracted asthe original region.

After the original region has been detected within prescan image data351 in such fashion, original region data 355 indicating the position ofthat original region on the original stage is temporarily stored atstorage device 350. Prescan image data 351 is deleted from storagedevice 350.

Main scan processing 312, performed by scanner circuitry 310, isautomatically executed thereafter. During main scan processing 312,firmware 330 uses original region data 355 to control the scan region soas to cause the entire expanse of the detected original region to becompletely scanned (in other words, so as to cause the detected originalregion to be completely enclosed by the scan region). Here, the scanregion may be controlled so as to cause it to exactly match the detectedoriginal region or may be controlled so as to cause it to be somewhatlarger than the detected original region as sufficient to accommodateprescribed scanner margin(s). Main scan image data 352 obtained as aresult of main scan processing 312 is temporarily stored at storagedevice 350.

ASIC 320 reads main scan image data 352 from storage device 350 andmoreover carries out image enlargement processing 321, enlarging mainscan image data 352 by a certain amount. Enlarged image data 352 istemporarily stored in storage device 350. ASIC 320 thereafter readsenlarged image data 353 from storage device 350 and moreover carries outcolor conversion/halftoning processing 322, converting such enlargedimage data 353 (e.g., RGB full-color image data) into enlarged dot imagedata 354 (e.g., CMYK binary image data) by means of which the initialimage is represented in simulated fashion through employment of an inkdot matrix. Enlarged dot image data 354 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 350. Note that either image enlargement processing 321 or colorconversion/halftoning processing 322, or both image enlargementprocessing 321 and color conversion/halftoning processing 322, may becarried out by, for example, executing firmware or other such computerprogram instead of or in combination with ASIC(s).

Firmware 330 reads enlarged dot image data 354 from storage device 350and moreover carries out cropping processing 333, deleting unwantedperimeter portion(s) from enlarged dot image data 354 and extracting aseffective print image data 356 the portion(s) which remain. Extractedprint image data 356 is temporarily stored in storage device 350 and isthereafter transferred to print engine 340. Print engine 340 uses printimage data 356 to drive printhead(s), as a result of which printout(s)is/are created.

FIG. 20 shows a plan view of an original stage for explaining scanregion(s) in connection with prescan and main scan in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

At FIG. 20, plate glass original stage 261 is captured within originalstage frame 260, this frame being constituted by the hybrid printerhousing. A user might place an original 362 of desired size on glassoriginal stage 261, and might request that the hybrid printer carry outfour-sided borderless copying. Upon so doing, the hybrid printer mightcarry out the aforementioned prescan processing 311. The scan regionemployed during prescan processing 311 is set so as to be a region whichincludes the entire region that could conceivably be occupied byoriginal(s) 362, e.g., a region 361 somewhat larger than glass originalstage 261. The hybrid printer scans this prescan scan region 361 athigh-speed and outputs image data corresponding to this scan region 361(prescan image 351 at FIG. 19).

Next, the aforementioned original region detection processing 331 iscarried out, actual original region 362 being detected within scanregion 361. The aforementioned main scan processing 312 is thereaftercarried out, detected original region 362 being scanned. While the scanregion employed during main scan processing 312, even when found to beexactly identical to original region 362, may be made somewhat largerthan same in order to accommodate prescribed scanner margin(s) (i.e.,the only requirement here being that original region 362 be completelyenclosed by scan region 263), the description which follows is, forconvenience of description, predicated upon a situation in which a scanregion exactly identical to original region 362 is employed.

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 321 and cropping processing 333 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

As indicated by arrow 378 in FIG. 21, during image enlargementprocessing 321, image data corresponding to original region 362 (mainscan image data 352 at FIG. 19) is enlarged about center point 362Cthereof, transforming it into image data of size such as that of region(hereinafter referred to as “enlarged original region”) 371 shown in thedrawing. Image data corresponding to this enlarged original region 371is the enlarged image data 353 shown in FIG. 19. The horizontaldimension or the vertical dimension (preferably whichever is shorter) ofthis enlarged original region 371 is equal to that of a region(hereinafter “enlarged paper region”) 273 somewhat larger than printmedia (printing paper) 272 previously specified by the user. Thisenlarged paper region 273 is equal to a size obtainable by enlarging thesize of print media (printing paper) 272 outward by amount(s) sufficientto accommodate top, bottom, left, and right printer margins 274, 275,276, and 277 of prescribed dimension(s). In the event that the aspectratio of original region 362 is the same as that of print media 272,enlarged original region 371 will match enlarged paper region 273. Butwhere, as at the example shown in FIG. 21, the aspect ratio of originalregion 362 is different from that of print media 272, enlarged originalregion 371 will be larger, in the horizontal or the vertical dimension,than enlarged paper region 273. Here, as specific examples of thedimensions of the aforementioned top, bottom, left, and right printermargins 274, 275, 276, and 277, 3 mm may be employed therefor.

Thereafter, during cropping processing 333, that portion 372 (indicatedby cross-hatching at FIG. 21) of the image data corresponding toenlarged original region 371 that lies to the exterior of enlarged paperregion 273 is deleted, only the image data corresponding to enlargedpaper region 273 being extracted therefrom. The image data correspondingto enlarged paper region 273 extracted in this fashion is the printimage data 356 shown in FIG. 21. This print image data 356 istransferred to print engine 340, where it is used to drive theprinthead.

Whereas a number of preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described above, these have been presented as examples for purposesof describing the present invention and without intent to limit thescope of the present invention to these embodiments alone. The presentinvention may be carried out in the context of a wide variety of othermodes and embodiments.

1. A hybrid printer comprising: an original stage; a scanner scanning ascan region of the original stage and outputting image datacorresponding to the scan region; a controller controlling the scanregion; an image-processor processing the image data output from thescanner, and a printer using the image data output by the processor tocarry out printing at print medium; wherein the controller has means forcontrolling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to match orbe larger than an original region detected or assumed to exist at theoriginal stage in order to permit the scan region to encompass theoriginal region, wherein the processor has means for enlarging, so as tobe larger than the size of the print medium, the image datacorresponding to the original region encompassed by the image datacorresponding to the scan region from the scanner; and wherein the printengine carries out printing at the print medium using the image datacorresponding to the original region enlarged by the processor so as tobe larger than the size of the print medium.
 2. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 1 further comprising: an original region assumerestablishing the original region which is assumed to exist based onpreviously specified original size, wherein the controller controls thescan region so as to cause the scan region to be a region enlargedoutward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left, and right marginsaround the assumed original region established by the original regionassumer.
 3. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 further comprising: anoriginal region detecting means detecting an actual original region atthe original stage; wherein the controller controls the scan region soas to cause the scan region to match the original region detected by theoriginal region detecting means or to be a region enlarged outward toaccommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left, and right margin around thedetected original region.
 4. A hybrid printer according to claim 3wherein: the scanner has a prescan means for scanning the original stageprior to scanning of the scan region and outputting the original stageimage data, and the original region detecting means detects the originalregion or regions based on the original stage image data output by theprescan means.
 5. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 wherein: theprocessor further has a cropping means for cropping away, from the imagedata corresponding to the scan region, a subset thereof which is notimage data corresponding to the original region, so as to extracttherefrom a portion or portions of the image data corresponding to theoriginal region.
 6. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 furthercomprising: a print start controller controlling a print start locationof the print engine in correspondence to a magnification at which theimage data corresponding to the original region is enlarged by theprocessor.
 7. A hybrid printer comprising: an original stage; a scannerscanning a scan region of the original stage and outputting image datacorresponding to the scan region, a controller controlling the scanregion; an image processor processing the image data output from thescanner, and printer using the image data output by the processor tocarry out printing at a print medium; wherein the controller has a meansfor controlling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to besmaller than an original region detected or assumed to exist at theoriginal stage in order to permit the original region to encompass thescan region; wherein the processor has a means for enlarging, so as tobe larger than the size of the print medium, the image datacorresponding to the scan region from the scanner; and wherein the printengine carries out printing at the print medium by using the image datacorresponding to the scan region enlarged by the processor so as to belarger than the size of the print medium.
 8. A hybrid printer accordingto claim 7 wherein: the controller controls the scan region so as tocause the scan region to be a region reduced inward from the originalregion by the prescribed scanner margin; the processor enlarges theimage data corresponding to the scan region so as to cause the imagedata corresponding to the scan region to be the size obtainable byenlarging outward to accommodate the prescribed printer margin aroundthe size of at least one of the print medium; and the scanner margin issmaller than the printer margin.
 9. A hybrid printer according to claim7 further comprising: a print start controller controlling a print startlocation of the print engine in correspondence to a magnification atwhich the image data corresponding to the original region is enlarged bythe processor.
 10. A hybrid printer comprising: an original stage; ascanner scanning a scan region of the original stage and outputtingimage data corresponding to the scan region; a controller controllingthe scan region; an image-processor the image data output from thescanner, and a printer using the image data output by the processor tocarry out printing at print medium; wherein the controller controls thescan region so as to cause the scan region to match or be larger than anoriginal region detected or assumed to exist at the original stage inorder to permit the scan region to encompass the original region,wherein the processor enlarges, so as to be larger than size of theprint medium, the image data corresponding to the original regionencompassed by the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner; and wherein the print engine carries out printing at the printmedium using the image data corresponding to the original regionenlarged by the processor so as to be larger than the size of the printmedium.
 11. A hybrid printer according to claim 10 further comprising:an original region assumer establishing the original region which isassumed to exist based on previously specified original size, whereinthe controller controls the scan region so as to cause the scan regionto be a region enlarged outward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom,left, and right margins around the assumed original region establishedby the original region assumer.
 12. A hybrid printer according to claim10 further comprising: an original region detector detecting an actualoriginal region at the original stage; wherein the controller controlsthe scan region so as to cause the scan region to match the originalregion detected by the original region detector or to be a regionenlarged outward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left and rightmargins around the detected original region.
 13. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 12 wherein: the scanner prescans the original stageprior to scanning of the region and outputting the original stage imagedata, and the original region detector detects the original region orregions based on the original stage image data output by the scanner.14. A hybrid printer according to claim 10 wherein: the processorfurther crops away, from the image data corresponding to the scanregion, a subset thereof which is not image data corresponding to theoriginal region, so as to extract therefrom a portion or portions of theimage data corresponding to the original region.
 15. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 10 further comprising: a print start controllercontrolling a print start location at the print engine in correspondenceto a magnification at which the image data corresponding to the originalregion is enlarged by the processor.
 16. A hybrid printer comprising: anoriginal stage; a scanner scanning a scan region of the original stageand outputting image data corresponding to the scan region, a controllercontrolling the scan region; an image processor processing the imagedata output the scanner, and printer using the image data output by theprocessor to carry out printing at a print medium; wherein thecontroller controls the scan region so as to cause the scan region to besmaller than an original region detected or assumed to exist at theoriginal stage in order to permit the original region to encompass thescan region; wherein the processor enlarges, so as to be larger than thesize of the print medium, the image data corresponding to the scanregion from the scanner; and wherein the print engine carries outprinting at the print medium by using the image data corresponding tothe scan region enlarged by the processor so as to be larger than thesize of the print medium.
 17. A hybrid printer according to claim 16wherein: the controller controls the scan region so as to scan theregion reduced inward by the prescribed scanner margin; the processorenlarges the image data corresponding to the scan region so as to obtainthe size enlarged outward by the prescribed printer margin from the sizeof at least one of the print medium; and the scanner margin is smallerthan the printer margin.
 18. A hybrid printer according to claim 16further comprising: a print start controller controlling a print startlocation of the print engine in correspondence to a magnification atwhich the image data corresponding to the original region is enlarged bythe processor.